Reader supplied reviews for Linux Mint
Average rating
8.9 from 1009 review(s)
Version: 22.3
Rating: 9
Date: 2026-04-11
Country: Australia
Votes: 0
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Linux is most useful in reviving older computers. Mint v22.3 was installed on a Fujitsu model Q616 Windows tablet (2 in 1, 4G RAM, 128 SSD).
A keyboard F2 option to edit Bios and boot from a Live-USB was used.
The Touch screen, WiFi, Webcam, BT and sound all worked, out-of-the-box.
The installation features to Dual-Boot with another OS without resorting to gParted and the option to Encrypt the Home folder made the process easy. Not having used Windows for many years, I did not find enough apps to make it worthwhile keeping and found all I needed in the Linux repository: LibreOffice, PDF arranger, Veracrypt, Audacity etc. The system ran fast with the XFCE desktop. An older iPhone mounted without having to code a mount point.
Mint has run well on other old computers, Acer-E3 (2G RAM), HP-Pavillion and Lenovo. I havn’t yet run it on a 2014 MacBook Air, as the Live-USB did not sense the Wi-Fi of SSD out-of-the-box but would probably work with added drivers.
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Version: 22.3
Rating: 9
Date: 2026-04-03
Country: Indonesia
Votes: 13
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🏗️ The Setup
My laptop is a classic workhorse: an **Intel i7-3520M** with **16GB of RAM** and dual graphics (NVIDIA/Intel). While this hardware is several years old, Linux Mint 22.3 makes it feel like a brand-new machine. It’s snappy, efficient, and everything worked right out of the box.
🚀 What’s New and Why It Matters
1. Better Troubleshooting (System Information)
The old "System Reports" tool has been completely overhauled and renamed to System Information.
The "USB" and "GPU" pages are lifesavers. If you’ve ever struggled to figure out why a webcam isn't working or if your graphics card is actually doing its job, these new pages show you exactly what’s happening in plain English. No more digging through confusing terminal commands.
2. A Cleaner, Faster Menu
The Cinnamon 6.6 desktop introduces a redesigned application menu.
It now features a handy sidebar for your favorite apps and folders (like Documents or Downloads).
It’s much more organized, letting you get to your work faster without scrolling through a massive list of software.
3. Smarter File Management (Nemo)
The file manager, Nemo, got some "quality of life" upgrades that you’ll notice immediately:
Pause and Resume: You can now pause large file copies. If you’re moving a big folder and need to unplug your drive for a second, you can just hit pause and finish later.
Template Manager: It’s now easier to create "templates" for new files (like a standard text note or a spreadsheet) so you can start a new project with a simple right-click.
4. Better Notifications
We’ve all missed a pop-up message while away from the desk. Now, if you miss a notification, a small badge (a little number or dot) appears on the app icon in your taskbar. It’s a small change that makes a huge difference in staying organized.
🛠️ Performance on Older Hardware
Despite being a "modern" OS with the new Linux Kernel 6.14, Mint 22.3 is very light on resources.
Memory Usage: On my 16GB system, it idles at a very low percentage, leaving plenty of room for heavy tasks like web browsing with 20+ tabs or coding.
Battery & Heat: The "Zena" update includes better power management. My ThinkPad stays cool, and the fans don't ramp up unnecessarily.
🏁 The Verdict
Linux Mint 22.3 "Zena" is the perfect balance of "it just works" and "I can customize everything." It doesn't force unnecessary changes on the user, yet it feels modern and polished.
If you have an older laptop sitting in a drawer or you’re tired of the complexity of other operating systems, "Zena" is a fantastic reason to switch. It’s supported until **2029**, so you can set it up once and enjoy a stable experience for years to come.
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Version: 22.3
Rating: 10
Date: 2026-04-01
Country: France
Votes: 12
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Linux Mint 22 is the perfect blend of simplicity, stability, and power — never leaving you stranded, even if you’re just starting out.
You can use it as your main system, for desktop work, media, or even to learn Linux gently.
✅ Stability and Simplicity
Mint 22 is extremely stable, perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a reliable system without complications. No need to touch the terminal for most tasks.
✅ Intuitive Interface (Cinnamon)
The Cinnamon desktop is elegant, customizable, and feels very close to Windows/macOS — ideal for a smooth transition to Linux.
✅ Secure and Regular Updates
Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Mint receives security patches quickly, with a slight delay to ensure stability — a great balance between security and reliability.
✅ Pre-installed and Useful Software
Everything you need is already there: browser, office suite (LibreOffice), media player, management tools… no need to install everything from scratch.
✅ Excellent Hardware Support
Drivers, Wi-Fi, printers, external displays — everything usually works out of the box, even on newer hardware.
✅ Active Community & Clear Documentation
Lots of tutorials, forums, and guides in French. The Mint team is responsive and focused on user experience.
✅ Wayland Available (for the curious)
You can try Wayland if you wish — but X11 remains the default for maximum compatibility.
But here are some limitations of Linux Mint 22 (it depends on your need) :
⚠️ Slightly outdated kernel and software
Mint follows Ubuntu LTS, so kernel updates (e.g., 6.17) and app versions arrive a few weeks to months after Ubuntu — which may frustrate users who want the latest features or performance improvements.
⚠️ Wayland not enabled by default
Although Wayland is available, X11 remains the default session. This means users miss out on Wayland’s benefits (security, performance, HiDPI) unless they manually switch — which many beginners won’t know how to do.
⚠️ Cinnamon desktop can feel “heavy”
While highly customizable, Cinnamon may seem less lightweight than XFCE or LXQt — not ideal for older PCs or users seeking a minimal, fast experience.
⚠️ Fewer cutting-edge updates than rolling-release distros
If you crave the latest GNOME, KDE, or software versions, Mint (based on LTS) may feel too conservative — especially compared to Fedora, Arch, or openSUSE Tumbleweed.
⚠️ No advanced dev tools pre-installed nor for gaming
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